Miele is known for making some of the best vacuum cleaners on the market. Their innovative features like HyClean and AirClean take vacuuming to the next level with advanced filtration systems.
But what is the difference between HyClean and AirClean, and which technology is the best choice for your home?
A Brief Comparison Table
Feature | HyClean | AirClean |
Filtration Process | In dustbag before air passes motor | Via exhaust filter after motor |
Filtration Rating | True HEPA (99.9% at 0.3 microns) | Excellent but slightly lower than HEPA |
Ongoing Costs | Higher, requires purchasing bags | Lower, filter washing only |
Allergen Exposure | Fully sealed in bag when disposed | Small amounts until filter changed |
Suction Power | Consistent, bags don’t clog | Reduces over time as filter dirties |
Maintenance | Bag changes only | Washing or changing exhaust filter |
Overview Of Miele Hyclean And Airclean
Miele’s HyClean dustbags are designed with a built-in microfilter that traps 99.9% of particles as small as 0.3 microns. This includes dust mites, pet dander, pollen and other common allergens. The HyClean system uses filtration before vacuumed air even reaches the motor or exhaust filter.
AirClean filters utilize an electrostatic mesh to capture and hold onto 99.9% of particles sized 0.3 microns and larger. Air passes through the vacuum cleaner and through the AirClean filter after it passes the motor and before the exhaust.
Both systems effectively trap allergens, but there are some differences:
HyClean
- Filtration happens in dustbag before air reaches motor
- Bags contain allergens and dirt and are disposed
- Needs bag replacement
AirClean
- Filtration happens via exhaust filter after motor
- Filter needs washing or replacement
So in summary, HyClean traps particles in the bag itself, while AirClean collects particles in a filter that needs maintenance.
Miele Bagged Vs. Bagless Vacuums
Miele only makes bagged vacuum cleaners, as they believe bags are the most effective and hygienic method. Bagless vacuums like Dysons utilize a dirt cup or container that needs regular emptying and cleaning.
Bags have some advantages over bagless models:
- Maintain strong suction as bags do not clog up
- Allergens sealed and removed from home when bag disposed
- Less dust exposure when changing bags Vs. emptying dirt
However, bagless vacuums have benefits too:
- No ongoing cost for bags
- Can see dirt collected and when full
- Some find dumps easy to empty and rinse
Ultimately, bags are recommended for allergy sufferers and bagless for those wanting to avoid ongoing bag purchases.
Miele Hyclean Dustbags
Miele’s HyClean dustbags are designed for allergy sufferers and contain an inner hygiene liner. This microfilter is built into each bag to trap allergens before air passes the vacuum motor.
Key benefits of Miele HyClean bags include:
- Retain 99.9% of dust and allergens 0.3 microns and larger
- Inner protective layer prevents dust contact with motor
- Hygiene seal stops dust escaping when disposing bag
- True HEPA filtration standard met
- Various sizes (3.5L – 9L capacity) for different models
The HyClean dustbags use Miele’s proprietary FJM filtering material. This finely woven synthetic is porous enough to allow strong airflow yet fine enough to catch microscopic particles.
FJM bags come in two main types – the GN standard bags and GN Allergy Performance bags. GN Allergy provide the most filtration for those sensitive to airborne allergens.
Other Miele bags use slightly different materials and ratings:
- L – Lower filtration and pricing for some entry models
- S – Smaller bags for compact Miele vacuums
- U – UltraBags for easy disposal with a self-sealing flap
Miele HyClean models will specify the exact bags required, but their GN AllergyPerformance FJM are the gold standard for filtration.
Benefits Of Miele Airclean Filtration
While Miele emphasizes the superiority of bagged filtration, their vacuums with AirClean perform admirably as well.
AirClean uses exhaust filters that force air through an electrostatic mesh as a final stage before releasing cleaned air.
Key benefits of Miele’s AirClean include:
- Electrostatic mesh attracts and captures dust and allergens
- Traps 99.9% of particles 0.3 microns and larger
- Washable exhaust filter with long life expectancy
- Does not require ongoing purchase of bags
AirClean equipped vacuums use Miele’s AirClean FilterFrame which houses the filter cartridge. These frames allow full airflow and easy replacement of filters.
With regular washing, Miele exhaust filters can last 1-2 years depending on use. Replacement filters cost $25-$60 depending on model.
While not blocking dust as entirely early in the process as HyClean bags, AirClean provides excellent trapping of allergens before air exhausts from the vacuum.
Comparing Hyclean And Airclean Filtration
So when choosing between Miele HyClean bagged vacuums and Miele vacuums using AirClean exhaust filters, there are some key differences:
HyClean
- True HEPA standard filtration
- Bags lock in allergens completely until disposal
- Strong suction retention as bags do not clog
- Higher ongoing costs for bags
AirClean
- Excellent but marginally lower filtration (99.9% at 0.3 microns)
- Traps allergens after passing motor
- Requires filter maintenance
- Lower ongoing costs without bags
While both filter excellently, HyClean bags ultimately provide the most complete filtration according to testing. AirClean also performs well, but there is slightly more airflow past motor and allergens exhaust if filters are not changed regularly.
For ultimate air purity and trapping of dust mites and pollen for allergy sufferers, HyClean bags are likely the best choice. AirClean works very well too though, and the lower maintenance may be preferred by some.
Also Read: Spinwave Pet Vs. Expert: Which Bissell Floor Cleaner Is Best?
Miele Vacuum Cleaner Lines And Models
Miele offers a wide range of vacuum cleaner types across its key model lines:
S Run S2 – S9
Miele’s entry level vacuum cleaners. Use combination floorheads and come with standard filtering. Great for budget conscious buyers wanting Miele quality and power.
C Run C1 – C3
Mid-range Miele vacuums for whole home cleaning. Excellent filtration systems like AirClean and options like electric powerheads.
Complete C3
Miele’s very popular premium vacuums known for deluxe features and filtration like HyClean. Amazing cleaning on all floor types.
Compact C1 – C3
Excellent vacuums specialized for cleaning hard floors, area rugs, and tight spaces. More compact with great maneuverability.
Within each line are different models from entry-level to high-end. Higher models include advantages like HEPA filtration, Turbo tools for pet hair removal, extended reach hoses and more advanced heads.
Miele vacuums offer excellent quality, power and features across all price points. Consider filtration needs and budget, then choose the best Miele vacuum with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
HyClean utilizes filtration in the dustbag itself before air passes the motor. AirClean filters air via an exhaust filter after the motor. HyClean bags have slightly better filtration while AirClean offers lower maintenance without bag replacement.
No. Miele makes FJM HyClean bags for maximum filtration as well as types L, S and U bags for other models and needs. The material, pores size and filtration capabilities differ.
FJM is the filtering material used in Miele GN HyClean bags. This finely woven synthetic traps the smallest particles. GN refers to the AllergyPerformance line of FJM bags.
These denote the size and capacity of the HyClean dustbags in liters. GN30 holds 3 liter bags while GN50 holds larger 5 liter bags for extended cleaning time.
Also Read: Comparison Between AprilAire 410 And 413 Replacement Filters.
Conclusion
So, which HEPA filtration is best for you? It depends on your personal preference and needs.
If you want a filter that can remove dust and allergens efficiently and securely, you might prefer Hyclean. If you want a filter that can eliminate odors and gases effectively and conveniently, you might choose Airclean. Either way, you can be sure that Miele’s vacuum cleaners will provide you with a clean and healthy environment.